Back at the Dojo

For the past decade, Lally Katz has been writing various mash-ups of her life into quirky and theatrically gorgeous plays. She has the happy knack of merging the gentle and everyday while darker, more surreal realities bubble along underneath. Her collaborators have been many, though none more prominent than with Chris Kohn, who directs her latest show, Back at the Dojo, for Belvoir Street Theatre.

“It’s a lovely homage to the time and place that Lally’s parents met,” explained Kohn. “It’s like a creation story with classic romantic comedy elements.”

After nearly losing his mind from the psychedelic drug-induced excesses of the sixties, a young Danny (Harry Greenwood) gets his life back on track through a karate dojo in New Jersey. Here, amongst other things, he meets the interesting and attractive Lois (Catherine Davies). Meanwhile in present-day Australia, a much older Danny (Brian Lipson) keeps vigil at his beloved Lois’ bedside. Danny’s recollections throw back to the past as he recalls his life leading up to meeting and falling in love with Lois.

The time shift provides some production challenges, but also moves the audience between the bright idealism of the past and the much more everyday present.

Central to the play is the enigmatic sensei (Natsuko Mineghishi). “We were very lucky to find Natsuko,” said Kohn. “Not only has she become an ensemble player but has also been instrumental in creating the karate sequences as well as training the cast in martial arts.”

Yet Kohn is quick to underline that this is a conventional play with karate there just to help tell the story. (GW)

Jun 18–Jul 17 (Tue 6:30pm, Wed–Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm + 8pm, Sun 5pm). Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $49-$72. Tickets & info: belvoir.com.au or 02 9699 3444.

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